Merz Neurosciences Announces New Survey Findings that Showcase Lack of Awareness of Upper Limb Spasticity (ULS)

More than 8 in 10 Americans Say They Have Never Heard of ULS

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merz Neurosciences, a division of Merz North America (US affiliate of the global Merz Pharma Group), today announced findings from a new survey of more than 1,000 US adults, revealing that overall awareness of the signs and symptoms of adult Upper Limb Spasticity (ULS) is low among Americans. The survey was conducted by Harris Poll and commissioned by Merz Neurosciences. In adults with upper limb spasticity, there is an imbalance of signals from the brain to the muscles, which causes stiffness and spasms. This can lead to abnormal arm or hand positions, uncomfortable movement, and pain¹.

“Adult ULS is a serious condition that impacts many Americans after stroke, injury, and other neurological disorders, preventing them from being able to do simple, day-to-day activities, like getting dressed or putting on deodorant,” said Robyn Moore, CEO of the National Stroke Association. “Since ULS can happen months after the initial stroke or injury, it’s critical that family members and caregivers be able to recognize the symptoms.”

The national survey was conducted online among 1,043 U.S. adults from November 9-20, 2015 and asked adults about their familiarity with ULS. The survey found:

• More than 8 in 10 Americans (83%) say they have never heard of ULS.
• More than 2 in 3 Americans (67%) admit not being sure of the early signs and symptoms of ULS.
• About 1 in 3 (32%) identified at least one condition that could lead to ULS; still, the majority (59%) report being unclear on the causes of ULS.
• About 1 in 4 believe that upper limb spasticity is extremely rare in people who have had a stroke.
• Further, about 1 in 4 (24% of Americans and 28% of the undiagnosed who are aware of ULS) believe adults who have suffered from a stroke should not be concerned about upper limb spasticity.

“An estimated 1 million Americans are currently suffering from upper limb spasticity and dealing with the issues that come with the condition, as well as the pain and discomfort,” stated Glenn Block, Vice President and Head of Merz Neurosciences. “That’s why Merz Neurosciences has committed to identifying and researching treatments for people with movement disorders, like ULS.”

Merz Neurosciences recently announced FDA approval of Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of upper limb spasticity in adults. In clinical studies, treatment with Xeomin for adult ULS resulted in statistically significant improvements in muscle tone, with a safety profile similar to that observed for other Xeomin indications.

For more information, please see XEOMIN full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Merz Neurosciences between November 9-20, 2015 among 1,043 U.S. adults 18+. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted, where necessary, to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability (random) sampling, are subject to multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Therefore, the words “margin of error” are avoided as they are misleading. All that can be calculated are different possible sampling errors with different probabilities for pure, unweighted, random samples with 100% response rates. These are only theoretical because no published polls come close to this ideal.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in the panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About XEOMIN^® (incobotulinumtoxinA)

Xeomin^® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to treat increased muscle stiffness in the arm of adults with upper limb spasticity, the abnormal head position and neck pain that happens with cervical dystonia (CD) in adults, and to treat abnormal spasm of the eyelids (blepharospasm) in adults who have had prior treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox^®).

About Merz Neurosciences

Merz Neurosciences is a division of Merz North America, a specialty healthcare company that is dedicated to delivering a better total experience in aesthetics, dermatology, and neurosciences. By working side by side with physicians and patients, Merz Neurosciences strives to deliver meaningful treatment options and a better patient experience in order to meet the needs of each person we serve. Merz Neurosciences is an important contributor to the U.S. neurosciences space, offering a well-balanced product portfolio that includes the neurotoxin Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA), the anticholinergic Cuvposa^® (glycopyrrolate) Oral Solution and the Prolaryn^® injectable implant family of products.

To learn more about Merz Neurosciences and their U.S. product portfolio, please visit www.merzusa.com/neurosciences.

XEOMIN^® IMPORTANT CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION Read the Medication Guide before you start receiving XEOMIN^® (Zeo-min) and each time XEOMIN^® is given to you as there may be new information. The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more:   Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist Visit www.xeomin.com to obtain the FDA-approved product labeling Call 1-888-4-XEOMIN

Uses XEOMIN^® is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to treat:   increased muscle stiffness in the arm of adults with upper limb spasticity abnormal head position and neck pain in adults with cervical dystonia (CD) abnormal spasm of the eyelids (blepharospasm) in adults who have had prior treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX^®) It is not known whether XEOMIN^® is safe or effective in children.

Warnings XEOMIN^® may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these problems anytime (hours to week) after treatment with XEOMIN^®:   Problems with swallowing, speaking, or breathing can happen within hours to weeks after an injection of XEOMIN^® if the muscles that you use to breathe and swallow become weak. Death can happen as a complication if you have severe problems with swallowing or breathing after treatment with XEOMIN^®. People with certain breathing problems may need to use muscles in their neck to help them breathe and may be at greater risk for serious breathing problems with XEOMIN^®. Swallowing problems may last for several months, and during that time you may need a feeding tube to receive food and water. If swallowing problems are severe, food or liquids may go into your lungs. People who already have swallowing or breathing problems before receiving XEOMIN^® have the highest risk of getting these problems. Spread of toxin effects. In some cases, the effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas of the body away from the injection site and cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. The symptoms of botulism include: loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing. These problems could make it unsafe for you to drive a car or do other dangerous activities. Do not take XEOMIN^® if you: are allergic to XEOMIN^® or any of the ingredients in XEOMIN^®(see the end of this Guide for a list of ingredients in XEOMIN^®), had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as rimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc^®), onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox^®, Botox^®Cosmetic), or abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport^®) or have a skin infection at the planned injection site. Ask a doctor before use if you   have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease], myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome) have had any side effect from any other botulinum toxin in the past have a breathing problem such as asthma or emphysema have a history of swallowing problems or inhaling food or fluid into your lungs (aspiration) have bleeding problems have drooping eyelids have plans to have surgery have had surgery on your face are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if XEOMIN^® can harm your unborn baby. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if XEOMIN^® passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Using XEOMIN^® with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines until you have told your doctor that you have received XEOMIN in the past. Especially tell your doctor if you   have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last four months have received injections of botulinum toxin such as rimabotulinumtoxinB (MYOBLOC^®), onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX^®, BOTOX^® COSMETIC) and abobotulinumtoxinA (DYSPORT^®) in the past. Be sure your doctor knows exactly which product you received. The dose of XEOMIN^® may be different from other botulinum toxin products that you have received. have recently received an antibiotic by injection take muscle relaxants take an allergy or cold medicine take a sleep medicine take a blood thinner medicine Ask your doctor if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above. Possible Side Effects XEOMIN^® can cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. See “Warnings.”   The most common side effects of XEOMIN^® include:   dry mouth discomfort or pain at the injection site tiredness headache neck pain muscle weakness eye problems, including double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes. Reduced blinking can also occur. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have eye pain or irritation following treatment. XEOMIN^® may cause other serious side effects including allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to XEOMIN^® may include: itching, rash, redness, swelling, wheezing, asthma symptoms, dizziness or feeling faint. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have wheezing or asthma symptoms, or if you get dizzy or faint. These are not all the possible side effects of XEOMIN^®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Directions   XEOMIN^® is a shot (injection) that your doctor will give you. XEOMIN^® is injected into your affected muscles. Your doctor may change your dose of XEOMIN^® until you and your doctor find the best dose for you. General information about the safe and effective use of XEOMIN Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use XEOMIN for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give XEOMIN to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about XEOMIN that is written for health professionals.

Active Ingredient: incobotulinumtoxinA Inactive Ingredients: human albumin and sucrose

Copyright © 2016 Merz North America, Inc. All rights reserved. XEOMIN is a registered trademark of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA. BOTOX is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. DYSPORT is a registered trademark of Ipsen Biopharm Limited Company. MYOBLOC is a registered trademark of Solstice Neurosciences, Inc.

1. Differential diagnosis for spasticity. Neuro Rehab Resource website.http://www.neurorehabresource.org/Files/NRR_Differential_Diagnosis.pdf Accessed February 21, 2016